Applebee’s extends helping hand by assisting Rotarians
Applebee’s extended its community support Saturday morning as the fully staffed restaurant aided The Rotary Club of McMinnville in its fund-raising operations by providing a place, and the contents, for a pancake breakfast.
“We had a very strong turnout,” said Rotary director of international operations Leslie Glover, who said the Rotary Club uses the money raised for a variety of charitable work ongoing both locally and internationally.
Applebee’s grills were fired up a little earlier than usual, but the cooks were taking time out from the usual lunch and dinner fare to flip flapjacks for the hungry diners.
Interact members from Warren County High School, a group sponsored by The Rotary Club of McMinnville, were also on hand to give their support to the fund-raiser.
“Applebee’s donated the entire thing,” said Rotarian Hubert King. “I can’t say enough about what they’ve done.”
Applebee’s director of operations Marcus Queen said it’s not unusual for the company to undertake such a civic operation like the pancake breakfast.
“I’ve worked a lot with Applebee’s in Eastern Tennessee, helping with ball clubs and other civic organizations,” Queen said.
Rotary officials said this breakfast was a trial run, and tickets were sold within the organization but not to the general public. Because of the success Saturday, Applebee’s officials said they are encouraged to try something on a larger scale the next time around.